Distortion of history, an open wound in the national memory

A nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces, but also by the people it honors, the people it remembers.. – John F. Kennedy

By: Evarist Beqiri

Our national history, with all its events and figures, is a precious treasure that must be preserved with fanaticism. Unfortunately, cases such as the photograph exhibited at the National Museum of Independence in Vlora, testify to a bitter reality: the deliberate distortion of historical facts.

In this specific case, the photograph presented in the office of Ismail Qemal Vlora, which supposedly shows him in a meeting with Sultan Abdyl Hamidi II, together with Esat Toptan, is a shameful forgery. Ismail Qemal Vlora was not part of the Young Turk delegation that delivered the decision to abdicate to the Sultan. Part of that delegation was the Armenian senator Aram Efendi, senator Arif Hikmet Pasha, the deputy of Durrës, the Albanian Esat Pasha Toptani, and the deputy of Thessaloniki, the Jew Emanuel Karasu Efendi. The dark historical figure of Esat Pasha Toptani should not be confused in any way with the bright figure of Ismail Qemal Vlora.

Following the so-called March 31 Incident, on April 27, 1909, four members of the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) went to inform Sultan Abdülhamid II (1876–1909) of his overthrow from the throne. Esat Pasha Toptani was the main messenger, telling him, “The nation has been deposed.” According to American historical sources, Abdülhamid II felt betrayed by Esat Toptani. The Sultan called him an “evil man,” since the Toptani family had taken advantage of the Sultan, gaining privileges and key positions in the Ottoman government.

To return to the essence, this distortion of history is an insult to the memory of those who sacrificed for the independence of Albania and an attempt to tarnish the figure of the Founding Father of the Albanian state. It is imperative that the relevant authorities take immediate measures to correct this grave error and ensure that such cases are not repeated in the future.

In 113 years of Albania, the placement of the portrait of the "Father of the Nation", Ismail Qemal Vlora, in the offices of the Albanian state with the government's decision no. 1 in 2013, is the most dignified act ever carried out by any Albanian leader, in honor of the figure of Ismail Qemal Vlora. This was an act as symbolic as it was significant! But, on the other hand, the legacy of Ismail Qemal Vlora deserves much more honor! Even today after 113 years of Albania, we lack a statue, a memorial or a museum that is at the height of the greatness of his legacy. Ismail Qemal Vlora's legacy is inspiring for the future! And we must work hard to realize his vision for a strong, united and European Albania.

At the same time, we must remember that respect for history is not enough to correct mistakes alone. It must also be reflected in the appreciation of great figures of the nation. The monument of Ismail Qemal Vlora in Tirana, left in darkness, is a symbol of neglect and lack of respect for one of the most important figures of our history. Therefore, we call on state institutions that, in addition to correcting historical distortions, also take care of the maintenance of monuments and symbols of national memory. Ismail Qemal Vlora's leadership model deserves due appreciation, by dedicating statues and museums that stand at the height of his magnificent figure. History is not simply a collection of facts, but an inseparable part of our national identity.